John Major says Boris Johnson broke lockdown laws and is creating mistrust

Former Tory PM says disregard for honesty and standards puts UK's democratic future at risk

• John Major: We cannot take democracy for granted - this government's failings imperil us all

Boris Johnson has been condemned by Sir John Major as a lawbreaker whose disregard for honesty and ministerial standards risks undermining the UK's long-term democratic future, on another politically bruising day for the prime minister.

While he now has a brief respite from the threat of a confidence vote by Tory MPs, with the Commons in recess for 10 days, Johnson faces the prospect of at least some staff being fined for breaking lockdown rules, with police saying this seems likely.